To the editor:

The East Lawrence Neighborhood Association is proposing new zoning that matches current usage. Good for them. Loss of sometimes small, affordable and often historic houses to demolition for infill of multifamily buildings is always a threat to neighborhood stability, historic preservation and owner occupants’ pride of ownership. However, about 15 years ago western Lawrence experienced the same loss.

Through neighborhood unity, good research and hard work they were able to present the rezoning request to Lawrence’s Historic Resources Commission and City Commission who saw the worth of the project for the city. Now with correct zoning, I am not aware of a single property demolished to make way for multifamily construction. The rehab of existing affordable homes for owner occupancy is just as important as new affordable housing. Our ever popular vintage neighborhoods are full of sweet, little (or big) houses on sweet, little sites near downtown. What a treasure. I encourage the Historic Resources Commission, the Planning Commission and the City Commission to look at what a success zoning correction has been elsewhere and approve the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association’s request to rezone.